The Little BitsSample

The Sacrifice of Praise

I was nine years old when I invited the Lord to come into my heart as the congregation sang Just As I am. I will never forget the little Baptist church where I attended Sunday School and sang my heart out to God with other kids. I was devastated when I found out we were relocating; I did not want to miss church! Months after we moved, I received a cassette tape in the mail from my Sunday School teacher. It was a recording of a morning children's church service. I heard the singing and happiness going on and it immediately diminished all my worries. I must have listened to that tape 100 times, each time surrendering a little more of my anxieties to God.

Do you know what God can do with your praise? He can remove shackles, open prison doors, and fill you (and others) with His Spirit. We become spiritually strengthened during trials and for trials when we offer a sacrifice of praise to the Lord (Hebrews 13:15). A sacrifice is defined as the act of giving something up for the sake of something else. When we praise, we renounce our anxieties, hang-ups, and addictions in exchange for peace and healing.

In Acts 16:25-31, we read the story of Paul and Silas who were put into prison. They were severely flogged and had their feet fastened, yet that did not stop them from praying and singing hymns to God. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake that shook the foundation of the prison and loosened the chains of the prisoners!

In Acts 2:46-47 the followers of Jesus lived with simplicity and praised God daily. In return, the Lord built their community, and they became more powerful and united as a result of their simple lives and praises. Ephesians 5:19 reminds us to continue, “singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.” Our songs are to Him and about His endless grace. Singing is a unique way of surrendering your heart, soul, mind, and strength completely to God.

There are many examples of God’s people raising their voices to Him in song. David was described as a man after God's heart. He was always singing, even in despair. His life-related Psalms can teach us so much about the sacrifice of praise. In Psalm 42:5 David speaks to himself, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God."

Singing has no special requirement. When we focus on the goodness of God, instead of our daily challenges, we are acting in faith and humility, and invoking His presence. In His presence, strongholds are removed and He becomes our refuge (Psalm 59:16). It is so comforting to know that our God will meet us amid the storm, to protect us, unshackle us, and walk with us. Today, I encourage you to sing to Him, even if you don't feel like it. I am confident you will enjoy the outcome.